1. What does a home inspection include?
2. Can a house "fail" its inspection?
3. Who should attend the inspection?
4. If the house proves to be in good condition, was the cost of the inspection justified?
5. When should I call the home inspector?
6. Can I do the inspection myself?

 

WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?

 

I follow the stringent guidelines and Inspection Standards of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. The inspection typically takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours performing a thorough, visual, functional and operational inspection of the many mechanical and structural components of the home. The inspection includes an  evaluation of such important elements as: Grading, Foundation, Structural, Attics, Roofs, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, major built in Appliances, etc.  An easy to read, detailed report with digital color photographs of any areas of concern  will be available to you within 24 hours after the inspection. 

CAN A HOUSE "FAIL" ITS INSPECTION?

No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of repair or replacement immediately or near future.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

We feel our primary purpose is to educate our clients so they can make informed decisions. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THE HOME INSPECTION. By attending, you will learn first hand about how the various components and systems of the house work together to create a safe and secure shelter for your family and where possible repairs may be done to make it even better .

IF THE HOUSE PROVES TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, WAS THE COST OF THE INSPECTION JUSTIFIED?

Absolutely. Now you can go forward with the purchase of your home confidently and with peace of mind. You will have a better understanding of your home and how best to schedule and budget any future repairs or renovations. The written report will prove invaluable in planning and working with contractors and vendors.

WHEN DO I CALL IN THE HOME INSPECTOR?

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the purchase contract, specifying that your purchase obligation is contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated with respect to the findings of the inspection.

CAN'T I DO IT MYSELF?

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. The inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.